Kulkarni is founder of Theorem, a digital marketing agency, based in Chatham. He started the company in 2002.

After working for DoubleClick, an ad management company owned by Google, Kulkarni realized how fast the digital advertising sector was growing. He said he noticed the need for a company to provide specialized technical and operational services to support digital marketing. That realization inspired him to start Theorem.

Theorem began as a four-person agency in Chatham. Now, the agency has nearly 800 employees in offices in four continents. Locations include London, Dominican Republic and India, where Kulkarni was born. Further growth is still in the works, with plans to expand the company’s social media and mobile advertising capabilities, he said.

The Star-Ledger spoke to Kulkarni about the digital marketing sector.

Q. What do you think has been the key to Theorem’s successful growth over the past decade?

A. We’ve grown quickly because we fulfill a need in the market, providing creative advertising production services campaign deployment that spans device types for the web and mobile platforms. In addition to the online media operations expertise we provide to publishers, networks, agencies, brands and technology providers, we also have the foresight and technical expertise to respond to a changing market. What worked two years ago doesn’t necessarily work today, and what works today probably won’t work in two years. Since we’ve remained agile and consistently innovate to help clients succeed, we’ve enjoyed rapid growth.

Q. Did the economic downturn have an impact on the business?

A. We’re fortunate. There’s a market imperative that drives customers to our sector no matter what the state of the economy. In a down economy, people seek us out to gain efficiencies and cost savings. When the economy is healthy, customers tap our expertise, innovation and ability to scale operations so they can expand. It’s a win-win for us.

Q. How has your education or career background helped you in the development of Theorem?

A. I was trained as an engineer in India, and my technical education has been a huge advantage. It allows me to understand not only the business side of new technology developments but how the technology itself works. It helps me keep up with new developments in the digital media technology space, and that’s a real advantage in this business.